As the world slowly wraps up for 2023, SOHH remembers how June was a month filled with significant moments and unexpected turns. From the heartbreaking news of the loss of Big Pokey to drama-filled events, June 2023 was one to remember.
18. A Bittersweet Month
Big Pokey Passes Away
Houston’s music scene mourned the loss of a legend on June 18, as Big Pokey, aged 45, tragically passed away.
The rapper collapsed on stage while performing at a bar in Beaumont, Texas, due to a heart attack. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Big Pokey could not be revived, leaving fans and fellow artists devastated by his unexpected departure.
The 2023 BET Awards
The BET Awards, known for its cultural significance, took place on June 25 and provided a platform for memorable moments.
One highlight of the night was the reunion of Migos on stage. Offset and Quavo came together once again to pay tribute to their late bandmate, Takeoff. Their performance served as a poignant reminder of the musical legacy left behind by the trio.
Another standout moment came when legendary singer Patti Labelle graced the stage to honor the iconic Tina Turner, who had passed away the previous month. Labelle delivered a heartfelt rendition of Turner’s 1989 hit, “The Best,” despite some struggles with reading the teleprompter.
The 2023 BET Awards also celebrated the rising R&B star Coco Jones, who won the coveted title of “Best New Artist”. Jones was on fire in the summer of 2023, propelled to the forefront by the success of her hit single “ICU,” which quickly went platinum after initially achieving Gold status. Starting as a Disney star, the “Double Back,” singer has showcased her versatility as both an actress and a singer.
Family Feud
Amidst the 2023 Father’s Day celebrations, drama unfolded between Kimora Lee and Russell Simmons, stirring up controversy.
It all began when Kimora and Russell’s daughter, Ming Lee Simmons, took to Instagram to honor her mother, omitting any mention of her father. This sparked a series of revelations from Russell’s other daughter, Aoki Lee Simmons, who accused their father of narcissistic and abusive behavior throughout their lives.
Aoki also disclosed Russell’s attempts to coerce Ming Lee into signing over her inheritance by sending people to their residences.
The extent of the drama was further detailed by Kimora, who claimed that Russell had harassed her and Aoki by contacting their friends and had even blackballed Aoki from the fashion industry. The situation reached such a point that Aoki contemplated legal action.
May-Mayhem 2023
Just as June 2023 was eventful, the preceding month of May had its own share of significant moments. From Halle Bailey‘s success in The Little Mermaid and the subsequent celebration of the “Black Girl Renaissance” to shocking industry events, 2023 has been an eventful year thus far.
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